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Summer Garden Pasta

This refreshing Summer Garden Pasta combines halved cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes, left to macerate at room temperature to develop vibrant flavors. Quick-cooking angel hair pasta is then tossed directly with this fresh tomato mixture and Parmesan cheese, creating a light, flavorful, and easy dish perfect for warm weather.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 people
Calories 2997.9 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Bowl
  • 1 Plastic Wrap
  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Colander
  • 1 Sharp Knife

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 4 pints cherry tomatoes halved
  • Good olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic 6 cloves
  • 18 large basil leaves julienned, plus extra for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound dried angel hair pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving

Instructions
 

  • Combine the cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and the pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours.
  • Just before you're ready to serve, bring a large pot of water with a splash of olive oil and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil and add the pasta. Cook al dente according to the directions on the package (be careful - it only takes 2 to 3 minutes!). Drain the pasta well and add to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes. Add the cheese and some extra fresh basil leaves and toss well. Serve in big bowls with extra cheese on each serving.

Notes

This recipe thrives on the quality of its fresh ingredients; 'good olive oil' and fresh basil are paramount. Ensure the cherry tomatoes marinate for the full 4 hours at room temperature; this allows them to release their juices and blend flavors with the garlic, basil, and chili flakes, creating a natural sauce. Angel hair pasta cooks incredibly fast, typically 2-3 minutes; watch it closely to ensure it remains al dente. Thoroughly draining the pasta is crucial to prevent a watery dish. For an elevated presentation and flavor, consider a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and extra basil leaves just before serving.